CELEBRATEAMERICA'SMILITARY2008

San Antonio has long been known as Military City USA and our city has a rich history of strong support of the military. For the past 36 years, The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce has hosted a weeklong celebration during Armed Forces Week to ensure that the military is aware of San Antonio's appreciation.

 The Chamber started the CAM tradition as a way for the San Antonio business community to express appreciation to the men and women of our nation’s armed forces.   Over the years CAM has evolved to become a city-wide celebration, which extends over a 10-day period, and involves the participation of the Downtown Rotary, City of San Antonio, San Antonio Symphony, and each of the local military installations.  Our goal this year is to increase community participation in CAM, so we can give greater recognition than we ever have before to the men and women fighting for freedom, democracy and the privileges we enjoy in this country. 

One of the highlights of 2008 will be our annual Air Show at Lackland Air Force Base featuring the world renowned “Blue Angels,” U.S. Navy’s exciting air aerobatic flight demonstration team.   

We urge you to become a SPONSOR and help thank the military for their service

This year’s celebration will commence with the Opening Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, October 31st and conclude Tuesday, November 11th.   Below is a tentative schedule of events for CAM 2008:

 
 “We know that Freedom Isn’t Free”

October 31 – November 11

Schedule of Events

Friday October 31

CAM Kickoff luncheon hosted by The Greater Chamber

Pearl Brewery, 11:30 Registration, 12:00 Noon Lunch Speaker:  TBD

Pre-Air Show Hangar party at Lackland AFB (by invitation only)

Saturday November 1

Lackland Air Show, featuring the US Navy Blue Angels, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(Free and open to the public)

Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Rally, 11:00-11:45 a.m., Veterans Memorial
(Free and open to the public)

Sunday November 2

Lackland Air Show, featuring the US Navy Blue Angels, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(Free and open to the public)

Monday November 3

Air Force Association Combat Breakfast, Enlisted Club at Randolph AFB, 7:00 a.m.

Speakers:  SSgt Matt & Annette Slaydon

CAM Golf Classic, Sonterra Golf Club, North Course, 12:00 p.m. Tee Time

Tuesday November 4

No CAM events due to National / Presidential Election Day

Wednesday November 5

Downtown Rotary Club Commander’s Luncheon, The Bright Shawl, 11:30 a.m.
(Rotarians and Invited Guests)

Speaker:  General Stephen Lorenz, Commander, Air Education and Training Command

Spirit of America Dinner hosted by The Greater Chamber, Westin Riverwalk Hotel,
Cocktails at 6:30 p.m., Dinner at 7:00 p.m., speaker TBD

Thursday November 6

Military Warriors Support Foundation presents: a night to “Honor Our Heroes”

Dinner and Concert ft. Clay Walker

Cornerstone Church: Time TBD,

Tickets: 15.00 pre sale (www.militarywarriors.org), 25.00 at the door

Corporate Tables: $5,000 (details to follow)

City Proclamation: Veterans Day Parade, City Council Chambers, 5:00 p.m.

City Proclamation: Employer Support for the Guard & Reserve, City Council Chambers, 5:30 p.m.

Friday November 7

Association of the United States Army Luncheon, Ft. Sam Houston Club, 11:30 a.m.
Speaker:  Mr. William McLemore

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental & International Affairs,
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Saturday November 8

U.S. Military Veterans Parade, Reviewing Stand, Alamo Plaza,
Wreath Laying at the Alamo, 11:00 a.m., Parade Kicks off at Noon (Free and open to the public)

www.usmvpa.org

Tops in Blue Performance, Laurie Auditorium at Trinity University, 7:30 p.m.
(Free and open to the public)

www.topsinblue.com

Sunday November 9

Possible Military Family event, Lackland AFB, Times TBD

Monday November 10

No Events Currently Scheduled

Tuesday November 11 (Federal Holiday)

Veterans Day Ceremonies at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, 9:30 a.m.
(Free and open to the public)

Buffalo Soldiers Commemorative Ceremony, San Antonio Nat’l Cemetery, 1:30 p.m.
(Free and open to the public)

Veterans Day Concert, San Antonio Symphony, Municipal Auditorium,
Fife and Drum performance at 6:15 p.m., Concert begins at 7:05 p.m. (Free and open to the public)

For additional information, call Will Garrett, 229-2163, or e-mail wgarrett@sachamber.org